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Topic: The Orb of Shadows (Read 50190 times)

The cold, damp wind was keeping the usual patrons from visiting the Lusty Maiden Inn that night. Inside, only two patrons were visibly present, both nursing warm drinks and bowls of venison stew. The barkeep finished drying and hanging the copper tankards above the bar, then turned to both patrons who were sitting at different ends of the hearth, and announced quietly that the bar would be closing soon.

Aelstan quickly drank the last of his warm honey mead and pushed the bowl of unsavory stew back to the edge of his table. He eyed the other patron before getting up. The stranger appeared to be a merchant of some sort, but Aelstan could tell he had something on his mind, and paid no attention to the bartender's suggestion or the curiosity of the patron staring at him.

Aelstan reached into his leather purse at his side and began to grope around for his pipe tobacco. He would need it as he headed out into the cool night air...

Just then the door to the inn burst open, and a tall, thin figure huddled in a black cloak staggered in. He seemed unusually pale, and his eyes were bulging and appeared bloodshot. The stranger glanced quickly around the room, and began to slowly head toward the barkeep, who was eyeing him with a raised eyebrow from behind the bar. The stranger, however, never made it to the barkeep. He stopped halfway across the floor, glanced toward the ceiling as if looking up for help, or guidance, and then, with a lurch, fell forward onto his face, arms spread out.

Aelstan didn't hesitate, and immediately rushed over to the stranger to aid him. With catlike grace, he darted past the nervous merchant and crouched beside the collapsed stranger. As he turned the newcomer's body over, a large sphere rolled out from underneath the dark cloak, casting a mysterious light that flickered throughout the room. The sphere appeared to be made of a highly polished metal, and as Aelstan reached out to retrieve it, a voice of caution emanated from within his mind, and he thought better of it...

"Belleg be loved!" cried the merchant, rising from his table in the corner. His dark hair and tan skin seemed to indicate that he had traveled from across the sea, perhaps the trading cities of Stensibadd Grotten. His unkempt appearance and stubbled face also indicated that business had not been good of late. "Is he alive?"

Aelstan reached up to the stranger's neck and felt for a pulse of life. The man's skin was cold, clammy, and virtually lifeless. But there was a faint rhythm of blood still pumping through his veins.

"Barkeep!" yelled Aelstan. "We need to get this man some water and a bed!"

"Are you mad?", replied the barkeep, approaching the men from around the bar's edge. "He's as good as dead, and that metal sphere smacks of sorcery! It is an ill omen, and one that I will not allow to stay in my place."

Aelstan wanted to argue, but was suddenly distracted by the scruffy merchant, who had also approached the men. The tired, yet curious stranger reached down suddenly to swoop up the metal orb, a look of fascination in his dark eyes. Before Aelstan could caution him, the merchant was holding the orb up in front of him, staring at its polished surface.

"It's remarkable!" cried the Easterner, with a grin spreading across his face. "There's a sort of invisible shield around the orb, and the surface of the metal cannot be touched!"

Indeed he was right, thought Aelstan. He could see that the merchant's hands did not appear to be in contact with the metal surface of the orb, yet the sphere was clearly resting in his palms. Not only that, but the metallic surface was shinier than most any silver or platinum Aelstan had seen, and seemed to swirl and move within the limpid outer shell. Aelstan wanted to ask the merchant if he felt anything unusual about the orb, but his attention was drawn back to the stranger whom was so near death.

The man's eyes flickered open, staring straight up and not making eye contact with anyone. He gasped, as if to say something, but the barkeep was upon him, trying to grab the stranger by his shoulders.

"Off you go then," barked the large innkeeper. He began to drag the body of the stranger back toward the front door, nodding for Aelstan to help him out.

Aelstan refused. Though he was not a spiritual man, and was bound by no oath to aid others, he despised the callous nature of so many men he had encountered over the years, particularly in the new kingdoms. Perhaps it was a required trait, or even a necessary evil, that the Westerners had developed as a means of surviving in the wilder lands many centuries ago. But Aelstan saw no need in leaving this man to die in the streets.

The barkeep, his face red with the strain of dragging the man in the black cloak to the front of the inn, suddenly cried out in surprise. The mysterious stranger had suddenly regained consciousness and clasped his left hand on the barkeep's shirt, pulling him closer.

The old barkeep wavered, and Aelstan rushed forth. With surprising clarity, the cloaked figure looked directly into Aelstan's eyes as if searching for an answer. He spoke loudly and with purpose.

"They are coming for it," he gasped. "They need it and will track it down wherever it may be..."

The stranger's voice began to fade, and he coughed for several moments. What little color remained in the stranger's face began to recede, and as the cloaked man relaxed his grip on the barkeep's shirt, Aelstan could see blood trickling out of the corner of the man's mouth.

"Do not handle it carelessly, for it will slowly destroy your mind just as it tried to destroy mine," continued the stranger. Aelstan tried to prop the stranger up on his knee as he crouched down, hoping to get more information out of him before he passed on. After another moment of recuperation, the stranger continued.

"Do not let them take it!"

"Who? Do not let who take it?" demanded Aelstan, his curiosity getting the better of him. The stranger's body began to convulse, and his eyes slowly started to roll back into his head.

"It's too late," he hissed. His voice was little more than a whimper. "They're here...."

The man's head dropped behind Aelstan's knee, and his last gasp of air exited his lifeless body. The barkeep began to back up, aware that one should never turn their back in the presence of death. The sound of a horse and rider could suddenly be heard outside the front entrance. A visitor was coming.

Aelstan turned back to the merchant, to make sure the orb was secure, but the merchant was gone...

At some point, without anyone noticing, another traveller had slipped inside. He was slight and built slender, and seemed to have fair hair, but that was all that could be determined about his appearance. He was wearing a voluminous cloak, and seemed to have rags wrapped around his neck and lower face like a scarf, concealing his features. Without a word, he knelt next to the dead man for a moment, then made a warding gesture. "Go on your way, friend. I am sorry I could not help you." The stranger spoke in a broken whisper, barely loud enough to be heard. Then as the sound of a horse outside reached him, he rocked back to his feet and produced a small crossbow from under his cloak, listening intently.

"Demons be gone!" cursed the barkeep, beginning to sweat as he nervously glanced back and forth between the front door and the two strangers kneeling beside a dead man.

Only moments ago the Lusty Maiden was calm and tranquil, and Odis the Barkeep was preparing to close down. Now, he was staring at a dead man in a black cloak, surrounded by two men he'd never seen before tonight. In fact, the only familiar face had been that of the merchant who had arrived only days earlier, and now he had vanished!

Aelstan slowly rose to his feet and extended his hand toward the wiry stranger that had suddenly emerged from the shadows. With the commotion following the entrance of the black-cloaked traveler, he apparently had not noticed this fellow entering the inn.

"My name is Aelstan of the Warrenwood, to the west," he said. It would be obvious to this new visitor that Aelstan was not of these parts. As a ranger of the Blackthorn Brigade, Aelstan was bound to the lands in the western kingdoms, but occasionally traveled outside on matters of some importance. Though this was such an occasion, he felt no need to justify his presence in the Lusty Maiden to the stranger, especially considering the short amount of time he had to make his acquaintance before the rider would walk through the doors...

He didn't seem to notice the man's outstretched hand. "I am Piper, of the Ikarani," he replied in his broken whisper. He was gazing around the room rapidly, and his pale red eyes proved it. Only the Ikarani tribe far to the south had those kind of eyes. It seemed that reports of the tribe's extinction were not quite accurate. Piper ignored the cowering barkeep and sidled to the window to get a better look. He didn't seem to care that that put the corpse at his back. "I do not like this."

Aelstan was willing to overlook the peculiar mannerisms of his new acquaintance, since this was the first of the Ikarani that he had actually seen. Considering the circumstances, it might be quite useful to have an Ikarani nearby if trouble broke out. Their ferocity and bravado were legendary, despite rumors that their civilization had all but disappeared.

Being a bit more superstitious in the traditional sense than his foreign counterpart, Aelstan chose not to go to the window, and continued facing the mysterious corpse now lying in the middle of the inn's great hall.

"What is it that you see? Have we a friend or foe arriving?"

The look in Piper's pale red eyes was all Aelstan needed to answer that question. Apparently the barkeep saw the look as well, for he was ducking behind the large oaken bar, broomstick in hand.

The door burst in, and cool air poured into the warm hall from the outside. An unusually tall figure, clad in blackened hide armor underneath a dark purple cape entered the Lusty Maiden. His head was covered by a dark hood, pulled well over his face, revealing no emotion or intent. But as the figure stepped inside, he raised his hand in a twisted gesture, and his fingers revealed that he was indeed not human....

At the sight of the clawed hand, Piper let out a feral hiss and fired his crossbow directly at the creature. Without even waiting to see if it hit, two sharply curved blades appeared from under his cloak. Truth be known, most would find them clumsy weapons, more akin to scythes than swords. But Piper was a master at the art of fighting with crescent-blades. He leapt at the intruder. Friend, foe, it made little difference. The Jandoshan demons were the sworn enemies of the Ikarani, and in fact were mostly responsible for the destruction of the tribe.

Aelstan was unsure of who the new intruder was, but he smacked of ill intent. Judging from the reaction of his new acquaintance, they seemed to be in agreement. The Warrenwood ranger was normally quick to act in such situations, but he was admittedly startled by the speed with which the Ikarani moved.

No sooner had the intruder stepped into the inn, than Piper had fired his crossbow. The bolt seemed to sink right into the folds of the dark purple cape when it struck, and Aelstan couldn't be sure if it even hit. No matter, though, the intruder turned to face the Ikarani just as Piper launched himself forward, crescent blades above his head.

Aelstan quickly drew out his longsword from under his dark green cloak and attempted to flank the intruder. But just before he could plunge his sword into the creature's back, a spiked tail emerged from underneath the purple cape and swiped Aelstan's legs from beneath him! Aelstan fell back, losing his balance, and crashed to the floor near the corpse of the stranger from earlier.

Whatever this creature was, it was obviously very dangerous. Aelstan hoped that this young Ikarani could hold his own against the foul beast...

The creature flung out an arm, catching Piper across the chest and flinging him backwards. Even so, Piper still managed a swipe at the thing, slashing it's cloak. Then he twisted in midair as he approached the wall, harmlessly dissipating his momentum like a cat, by half-running up the wall and turning it into a flip. He landed, crouched low. Piper wasn't weak, but this thing was strong. Clearly, a change of tactics was required.

The Jandoshan demon seemed more interested in the body of the black-cloaked stranger lying in front of him than his two assailants, and Aelstan made a note of this. The creature was most likely interested in the mysterious orb that had rolled out from underneath the stranger's cloak earlier...

But there was no time to ponder. Aelstan rolled quickly to one side, avoiding the demon's tail as it slammed into the hardwood floor, sending vibrations throughout the inn. The ranger wouldn't have time to explain the disappearance of the orb to a demonic creature, so he had to fight.

The Warrenwood Ranger took note of Piper regaining his balance with cat-like grace, and timed his second attack a little more carefully. Aelstan gripped his sword firmly and feinted an approach. The demon's tail spun toward him like a viper, but this time the woodsman jumped over it and landed on a table near the door. Aelstan then quickly grabbed a burning torch off the wall and hurled it at the creature from behind.

As Piper moved in for the attack, he saw the demon's purple cloak suddenly go up in flames...

Fire. Everything burning, people screaming. The princess standing there, silent as the flames drew closer, proud to the last. The feeling of being trapped, helpless while the fires consumed all... Piper shoved the psuedo-memories aside. They weren't his anyway. He sprang, leaping off of a table to get some height. The crescent-swords came out, and he practically dove at the demon. Hopefully, while it was distracted by the non-trivial problem of being on fire, it wouldn't expect an aerial attack.

Piper's agility and determination were impressive, and just what Aelstan would have expected, had he known he would one day meet an Ikarani. While the demon-creature lashed at the flames with his sinewy tail, it failed to notice the Ikarani descending from above, crescent blades flashing.

With a few swift slashes and a tumbling Revonar Thrust, Piper left a series of gashes in the demon's neck, shoulders, and legs. The flames instantly hissed and cackled as they came into contact with the thick black blood pouring out of the demon's freshly inflicted wounds. An acrid stench began to fill the room.

The demon creature would not live long. As it struggled to put out the flames and avoid further attacks by the darting Ikarani, Aelstan once again flanked the beast, and this time he plunged his longsword into the demon's back, using both arms to penetrate the tough hide. With a loud shriek, the Jandoshan demon collapsed to its knees, forked tongue hissing. Three breaths later the creature was dead.

Aelstan and Piper stood over the beast as it slowly began to dissolve into a pool of acid, and then disappear in a smoky haze, leaving behind the remains of a smoking dark purple cloak and scorched hide armor. Aelstan wanted to breathe a sigh of relief, but Piper, who had plenty of experience dealing with these foes, cut him off.

"They never travel alone," said the Ikarani, with his red eyes darting across the room. Aelstan remembered the merchant who had grabbed the orb, and wondered if he was still in the inn somewhere.

Just at that moment, however, a shrill scream could be heard coming from behind the inn, perhaps in the dark alley. Aelstan knew right then exactly where the merchant had run off to...

(OOC: I don't mind, but please don't take control of my char anymore?)

Piper shook his head. "We can take one, but not more than one." It pained him to say it; he saw the extermination of the Jandoshan as a sacred obligation. "But they are not interested in us." His voice never once rose above a whisper, and the ambient noise made him a little hard to hear. "I don't think we should allow them to have what they want." He was already on his way out the door, readjusting his cloak and scarf. They had slipped a little during the fight, and he moved them back into their previous position. He paused. "Are you willing to kill someone who is not your foe, as a mercy? If the demons have him, a quick death would be preferable."

OOC: Sorry, Ria! I'm new to this and got carried away. Glad you're being patient with me

"The Blackthorn Brigade would never allow me to kill another human that did not threaten me," replied Aelstan. "However, these demons.. or whatever they are... do not seem to be of this world. As a ranger, I have no problem handing death to these beings."

Aelstan noticed that Piper was talking in hushed tones, and wondered if all Ikarani spoke as such. The young warrior seemed to take extra precautions as he spoke to cover his face, and Aelstan assumed that he may be an outlaw of sorts. It didn't matter much to the ranger, however, because the young Ikarani had proven himself a foe of these foul creatures, and any enemy of these demons couldn't be all bad...

Aelstan motioned for Piper to follow him toward the back door of the Lusty Maiden, in the direction of the shrieking. Odis the barkeep finally stood up and took in the situation. One dead stranger in a black cloak, and another dead creature of unknown origin, leaving behind naught but a burned purple cape and charred hide. The acidic blood was slowly eating away at his polished hardwood floors. Odis turned back toward the rear of the inn to address the two fighters.

"And just who do you think is going to pay fer this?" he yelled. But they were already gone, heading out the back door...

Piper stowed his blades, and reloaded his crossbow. "If the Jandoshan have him, he is already dead. The difference is in the time it takes him to die." He wasn't flat out running, but he wasn't moving slowly, either. "If they are here in force, the best plan is to accquire what they're looking for before they get it." He was constantly scanning the area, looking for threats. "Either way, I would say this town is doomed to be ashes by dawn."

The back door to the inn was left open, and Aelstan carelessly stepped through and into the darkness of the alley. It took his eyes a moment to adjust to the night, and before he could see much of anything, his foot bumped up against something. As his vision cleared, both the ranger and the Ikarani could see what lay before them.

The merchant never had a chance. His body was splayed about in a pool of blood, which seemed to originate from his throat. His eyes were frozen in look of sheer horror, and his mouth was still open as if trying to continue shrieking. The Easterner's hands were empty, and it was plainly obvious that the orb was in the possession of the demon that slew this man.

Piper made the same warding gesture he had before. "As mush as I would like to stay and end these blasphemies, I'm not sure it is possible at this juncture." A loud, harsh shriek echoed through the dark village. Piper shuddered. "And it seems they are in the mood to play, now that they have what they came for."

Aelstan took a deep breath and tried to take in the situation. Everything had happened so fast, and he didn't really understand the scope of what might be occurring. Perhaps this new acquaintance of his could answer some questions for him.

"Tell me friend, what do you know about these Jandoshan demon creatures? You seem to have some experience with them, yet they appear to be not of this world."

"No one knows where they come from," Piper said. His voice seemed to sink even more into a whisper. "All they seem to know how to do, or at least, all that interests them is causing pain, misery, suffering, and death. They're fast, and hard to kill, but that you know already." Piper continued walking along, searching for danger. "No one has ever seen what they look like under the cloak and lived. As for experience... yes, you might say I've had some."

OOC: We'd love to have you!"I have no allegiance to this village, nor to the forces of good or evil," replied Aelstan. "My allegiance is with the Blackthorn Brigade, and it is my duty to uphold the balance of nature."

He studied Piper a bit more before continuing, wondering why the eyes of the Ikarani had acquired the reddish hue, and if that served any other purpose aside from traditional vision. Aelstan's eyes were simply dark brown, the most common color of the people near Warrenwood, and he often wished that his features were more noticeable, or striking. But there were times when his nondescript appearance had served him well as a scout. Maybe this would be one of those times...

"If these Jandoshan demons are not of this world, then they do not belong, and are a threat to the natural state of things. If pain and suffering are indeed what drives them, then we shall drive them from the lands, causing much pain and suffering on their part."

The duo continued down the small side street. It was late, near midnight, and many of the lights in the village were out as people slumbered. However, up ahead, they saw a small group of men huddled together, speaking in hushed tones. Perhaps they may have seen the demons?

Aelstan looked questioningly at Piper to see if they should reveal themselves and offer assistance...

Harper struggled against one of the large men's hands, which was wrapped tightly around her wrist. Harper had long black hair, which fell in front of her bright electric blue eyes, her cheeks were a rosy red, which contrasted with her pale olive complexion. She wore a small red bustier with tight black trousers. She also wore heavy dragon hide boots and a long black cloak. Around her waist was a shimmering silver long-sword and a few small daggers, which she was an expert at throwing. On her back was a bow and a quiver of arrows. “Release me at once” Harper spoke with a soft floating tone, which she had used to seduce so many men. The man turned to her and raised his hand “Shut it before you get another beating” Harper struggled more as the mans grip tightened. Harper was a excellent fighter but she had hurt her other arm trying to fight off one of those ugly demons, which had come rampaging through the town. It had knocked her down and ran off, but these men had come to see what all the commotion was. There had been bodies lying around Harper at the time so they had taken her as the one who had killed them. Harper had been trying to explain what had happened when the man had hit her and told her to shut up. Harper was beginning to get annoyed with this man, “Let me go, or I will be forced to hurt you” The man turned to Harper again raised his fist and let it fall to her face. Harper let out a small squeal as the mans fist connected with her face “I told you to shut up” he shouted.

Piper's ears were a little better than most people's. He tensed up as he heard what was going on. "Fiends though the Jandoshan are, some men might as well be." He hurried up to the crowd of men and gently touched his loaded crossbow to the back of the man's head who was holding the girl. "Is this how you deal with things," he said in a harsh whisper, "Assuming guilt or innocence from first glances? Or perhaps you just like threatening those weaker than you. If that is the case, then perhaps I should execute you as I would a Jandoshan."

As the Ikarani stepped up behind the group of men with his crossbow, Aelstan had skirted around the huddle, attempting to flank the men holding the girl. These men probably believed they were doing the right thing by holding the girl, but the Warrenwood ranger knew that she was innocent of the crime of which she was accused.

"Hold, friends!", cried Aelstan, in an effort to prevent the situation from escalating. "You have not the person responsible for the slayings here in the village of Livien."

"Oy! Mind your business, you!" barked the largest of the men, apparently not realizing how much danger he was in with Piper's crossbow behind him. "This lass is guilty of thievery and murder, and we've caught her red-handed! She'll bring a righteous reward, I say. Unless you and your friend want to join her in the village jail, I suggest you wander on your merry way."